GRP Biathletes Compete at Open European Championships

Last Updated: 30.Jan.2017

This past week, four GRP biathletes raced at Open European Championships in Duszniki, Poland. 

Hallie shoots standing during the Open European Championships sprint race (photo: USBA/Eurovisionsports.tv screenshot)

The championship event kicked off with an individual race. For the women, Emily Dreissigacker was the first U.S. finisher across the line in 41st with only four misses. Hallie Grossman was close behind in 52nd, also with four misses. On the men's side, Alex Howe also shot well placing 79th with three misses. Michael Gibson struggled with a dropped magazine, but still pulled through with a respectable 94th place finish.

In the sprint race, Emily was once again the first U.S. woman across the line in 69th with three misses. She was closely followed by Hallie in 70th who also had three misses. For the men, Alex qualified for the pursuit with a 59th place finish and only two misses. Mike also shot very well, with two misses, and placed 103rd. 

In the pursuit, Alex kept up his strong shooting streak placing 51st with a total of four misses. 

In the final race of the championship week, Emily and Hallie were joined by USBA teammates Max Durtschi and Jacob Ellingson in a mixed relay. Emily scrambled for the team and shot well cleaning both stages and only using one standing spare. She tagged off to Hallie who also cleaned and only used two spares. The team placed 14th with a total of nine spares and no penalty laps. 

IBU Cup racing continues next weekend in Brezno-Osrblie, Slovakia. Results and live coverage can be found at biathlonworld.com.